Singapore is providing a vivid example of what Cambodia could potentially achieve. The recent appointment of Lawrence Wong as Prime Minister marks a significant shift, with Wong taking over from Lee Hsien Loong, who had been in power for two decades. This transition signifies a break from the long-standing dominance of the Lee family in Singapore’s political landscape. For the first time since Singapore’s independence, neither the Prime Minister’s position nor the next in line belongs to a Lee family member.
Wong’s appointment in May 2024 followed the “Forward Singapore” consultative exercise, launched in June 2022. This initiative engaged more than 200,000 Singaporeans and culminated in a comprehensive 180-page report published in October 2023. The report outlined progressive priorities such as retraining individuals seeking career changes and providing support for the unemployed. This consultative process exemplifies a more inclusive approach to governance, encouraging active participation from the citizenry.
In stark contrast, Cambodia’s political landscape remains entrenched in autocratic practices. Prime Minister Hun Sen handed over power to his son, Hun Manet, in August 2023 without any consultation process. Democratic opposition in Cambodia, represented by parties like the Cambodia National Rescue Party and the Candlelight Party, has been systematically barred from participating in national elections in 2018 and 2023.
Wong has emphasized a consultative approach to policy-making, stating that his government is “prepared to re-examine all our assumptions.” This willingness to engage in open dialogue and reconsider established policies marks a significant departure from Hun Sen’s rigid and unilateral governance style. Hun Sen, now president of Cambodia’s Senate, dismissed concerns about a planned Chinese-backed canal in Cambodia by asserting that he had never made a wrong decision in his 47 years of power.
While Singapore is not a democracy in the Western sense, with the People’s Action Party (PAP) dominating politics since 1959, it still allows a degree of political opposition. Elections in Singapore, although not entirely free from state influence, are recognized by the opposition and serve a functional purpose. This system has fostered a diversity of opinions and a meritocratic approach to governance, yielding significant dividends.
Singapore’s “freedom score” as calculated by Freedom House stands at 48 out of 100 in 2024, considerably higher than Cambodia’s score of 23. Furthermore, Singapore’s gross national income per capita in 2023 was a staggering US$70,810, a figure that most Cambodians can only dream of. The World Bank has consistently recognized Singapore as having one of the most business-friendly environments globally.
Cambodia’s failure to achieve similar economic success can be attributed to the twin calamities of the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s and the prolonged period of corrupt and autocratic rule under Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre. Instead of moving towards a model of governance that values merit and competence, Cambodia has regressed into a system where familial ties determine access to power.
An analysis of the 125 candidates for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) in the July 2023 election revealed that nearly a quarter of them are related. The transfer of office from Hun Sen to Hun Manet was accompanied by the handover of ministerial posts to the sons of various ministers. Hun Manet’s younger brother, Hun Many, has since been appointed as a deputy prime minister. Hun Sen has indicated that he would resume the role of prime minister if necessary and has even suggested that one of his grandchildren might take over from Hun Manet in the future.
Hun Manet has shown no independent vision for Cambodia’s future, operating under the shadow of his father’s influence. Not a single political prisoner jailed under Hun Sen has been released under Hun Manet, and new arrests continue unabated. This lack of change extends to foreign policy as well, with Cambodia’s alliance with Communist China remaining as strong as ever. This relationship is crucial for the Hun regime, providing both financial and military support. China’s strategic interests in Cambodia, including the naval base at Ream, are secure as long as the Hun family maintains power.
Singapore has taken decisive stances on key regional issues, such as the illegitimate military regime in Myanmar. During Cambodia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022, Hun Sen achieved nothing substantial regarding the Myanmar crisis and undermined ASEAN’s ability to present a united front against the junta’s violence.
In contrast, Thomas Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, praised Singapore for its prompt response to his 2023 report, which revealed that weapons for the Myanmar junta were being sourced from Singapore. Following the report’s publication, exports of weapons materials from Singapore to Myanmar dropped by 83%, demonstrating Singapore’s commitment to international human rights concerns.
The lesson from Singapore is clear: governance matters. Societies benefit from open and consultative forms of governance that allow diverse viewpoints to be expressed and considered. Most countries at least pay lip service to these principles, but very few reject them entirely in favor of a purely hereditary system.
Cambodia, however, is one of those few. For as long as the international community continues with “business as usual” with the Hun Manet regime, the people of Cambodia will remain the losers. International engagement with Cambodia must be re-evaluated to encourage genuine political reform and respect for human rights.
For Cambodia to transition towards a more inclusive and prosperous society, it must break free from the shackles of hereditary rule and corruption.
- Electoral Reform: Establishing an independent electoral commission to ensure free and fair elections. This would involve allowing opposition parties to participate fully in the political process without fear of persecution.
- Judicial Independence: Strengthening the judiciary to operate independently from political influence. This would help in protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring accountability for those in power.
- Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on foreign aid and investment by diversifying the economy. Encouraging entrepreneurship and small businesses can create a more resilient economic structure.
- Education and Retraining: Investing in education and vocational training to empower the youth and workforce. This would help in reducing unemployment and underemployment, providing a pathway for economic mobility.
- Anti-Corruption Measures: Implementing strict anti-corruption laws and ensuring their enforcement. Transparency in government dealings and public accountability are crucial for building trust in public institutions.
The contrasting paths of Singapore and Cambodia highlight the profound impact of governance on national development and societal well-being. Singapore’s consultative approach and meritocratic governance have led to significant economic and social advancements. In contrast, Cambodia’s reliance on hereditary rule and autocratic practices has stifled its potential, perpetuating cycles of poverty and repression.
The international community has a role to play in supporting Cambodia’s transition towards a more democratic and prosperous future. By promoting political reform and human rights, and by holding the Hun regime accountable for its actions, the global community can help pave the way for a better future for the Cambodian people.
In the end, the true measure of a nation’s success lies in the well-being and empowerment of its citizens. As Singapore continues to evolve and set an example of progressive governance, Cambodia must take heed and embark on a path of genuine reform. Only then can the country hope to achieve its full potential and provide a brighter future for its people.
